7 Best Florida (FL) Dog Insurance Plans Compared in 2024
Updated on July 3, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
As a nationally licensed insurance agent and proud dog parent, I know that finding the best Florida dog insurance can be tricky. That is why my team and I have put together this guide to help you determine the best policy for your beloved dog or puppy. Whether in Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando or Pensacola, this article has all you need to know about the best insurance providers and the perks they offer, what you can expect to pay and answers to the most commonly asked questions. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$29.85/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best all-around Florida pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world-class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$38.97/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Florida vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$51.07/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
- Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
- Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$27.63/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Odie has several options available to suit any pet parent’s budget including: complete coverage, injury & illness, and accident only plans
- They also offer a free 24/7 video chat with vets
- Founded in 2019 and underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$54.59/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Fetch makes it easy to use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of your unexpected vet bill in as little as 2 days via direct deposit
- Protecting 400K+ dogs and cats (and counting) & rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$60.09/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
- Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$100.64/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
Unlimited
- Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
- They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
- Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN FLORIDA
$29.85/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Lemonade has the best all-around Florida pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world-class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
How much does dog insurance cost in Florida for the 15 most popular breeds?
The price for Florida dog insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected prices for three cities shown below. The prices will also vary based on the age, health, and breed of your puppy.
All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Lemonade pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of January 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in Florida we suggest getting a quote directly with Lemonade.
- Mixed Breed
- Orlando – $46.70/ mo
- Miami – $36.90/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $46.70/ mo
- Labrador Retriever
- Orlando – $49.32/ mo
- Miami – $38.97/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $49.32/ mo
- Golden Retriever
- Orlando – $56.68/ mo
- Miami – $44.94/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $56.68/ mo
- German Shepherd
- Orlando – $53.32/ mo
- Miami – $42.13/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $53.32/ mo
- Goldendoodle
- Orlando – $51.27/ mo
- Miami – $40.51/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $51.27/ mo
- Chihuahua
- Orlando – $26.33/ mo
- Miami – $20.80/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $26.33/ mo
- Siberian Husky
- Orlando – $54.12/ mo
- Miami – $42.76/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $54.12/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Orlando – $39.09/ mo
- Miami – $30.89/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $39.09/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Orlando – $54.43/ mo
- Miami – $43.01/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $54.43/ mo
- Australian Shepherd
- Orlando – $38.29/ mo
- Miami – $30.25/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $38.29/ mo
- Dachshund
- Orlando – $43.58/ mo
- Miami – $34.44/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $43.58/ mo
- Shih Tzu
- Orlando – $39.36/ mo
- Miami – $31.10/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $39.36/ mo
- French Bulldog
- Orlando – $55.41/ mo
- Miami – $43.78/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $55.41/ mo
- Boxer
- Orlando – $63.55/ mo
- Miami – $50.21/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $63.55/ mo
- Labradoodle
- Orlando – $51.27/ mo
- Miami – $40.51/ mo
- Del Rey Beach – $51.27/ mo
Not finding your specific dog breed? Lemonade pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Florida and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.
Florida Dog Insurance FAQs
What is dog insurance?
Like humans, dogs are eligible to receive their own health insurance in unexpected illnesses or accidents. The first step is to find a plan and carrier that is right for you. Once enrolled, you will then make ongoing monthly payments to sustain your policy.
Your insurance coverage will kick in if your furry friend becomes sick or is involved in an accident. Typically, you as the owner will be responsible for paying vet bills initially, and then your insurance carrier will reimburse you.
How old does my puppy need to be to get insured?
Most dog insurance carriers do not have an age limit, which is especially helpful if you plan to adopt a dog from a shelter. However, many do have an age minimum. The most common age minimum for coverage eligibility is 8 weeks old.
Helpful tip: dog insurance tends to be more expensive the older your dog is, which is why we suggest enrolling in dog insurance as soon as your pup is eligible.
Why does my dog need insurance in Florida? What are the benefits?
Dog insurance is good for all dogs because unexpected illnesses and accidents can happen. Vet bills tend to be expensive, especially for intensive procedures and surgeries. Having dog insurance helps protect you from experiencing financial strain that can result from the cost of pet care.
What does dog insurance cover?
The basic services that dog insurance plans provide are unexpected illness and accident coverage. For example, if your dog becomes ill with a bacterial infection or breaks a bone, insurance will help pay for the needed care. Many dog insurance carriers also offer add-on services to plans, such as prescription coverage.
It is crucial to know that most dog insurance carriers do not cover care related to pre-existing conditions. This is especially important to know if your dog was diagnosed with a chronic illness before enrolling in a plan. While insurance would cover other unexpected conditions, care related to the chronic disease would not be covered. However, we recommend contacting individual dog insurance carriers directly to inquire further about their policies on pre-existing conditions.
What does it mean when dog insurance carriers say that they “reimburse?”
Most dog insurance companies give you a specific reimbursement percentage, deductible, and annual maximum benefit instead of paying upfront for care. When you request a reimbursement, your insurance carrier will use these three amounts plus the service cost to determine your reimbursement amount.
For example, imagine that your dog insurance policy has an 80% reimbursement amount, a $250 deductible, and $10,000 annual max benefit. One day, your dog was bit by another animal and required rabies vaccination and stitches. The total cost of care was $3,000. In this case, your insurance company would reimburse you $2,400 minus the $250 deductible. This means that your total cost would end up being $850 instead of $3000.
What about deductibles? Should I get a plan with a high or a low deductible?
There is no right or wrong decision regarding deductible amounts; it all depends on personal preference. Some people prefer higher deductibles because it means lower monthly payments. However, this is entirely up to you and depends on what is best for you financially.
I’m looking into homeowners insurance. Are there any breeds that are restricted in Florida?
Unfortunately, many states do have some breed restrictions when it comes to homeowners insurance. Examples of restricted are:
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Bull Mastiffs
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Wolfhounds
However, exclusions vary, which is why we suggest contacting your homeowner’s insurance provider directly to learn more.
Conclusion
While navigating the ins and outs of dog insurance can be overwhelming and confusing, you are not alone. Some of the many tips and tricks that can be helpful during this process include enrolling early and understanding what each plan covers. Regardless of the method you choose, you will be taking an essential step in keeping your dog healthy. Our most highly recommended provider in Florida is Lemonade pet insurance; they offer the best mix of price, coverage, and user experience.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Safe & Healthy in Florida
While dog insurance is essential, daily practices are also crucial in ensuring your pup is healthy. Some of the best strategies for keeping your furry friend safe and healthy in Florida include:
1. Drink plenty of water!
Florida can be HOT for most of the year, especially in the southern part of the state. A key strategy to implement regularly is to make sure that your pup is consistently hydrated.
2. Avoid going for walks in the middle of the day
Since Florida can get very hot, one recommendation for all of you Sunshine State dog owners is to go for walks together during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or after dusk.
3. Use caution around bodies of water
As opposed to most other states, Florida is home to many tropical creatures, including alligators. While alligators live in bodies of water, they can sometimes approach land, which is why it is essential to be aware of your surroundings when you and your dog are near bodies of water.
4. Watch the weather
Florida frequently experiences thunderstorms and rain showers. To keep your dog safe, keep your eye on the weather and keep your pup indoors when a storm is approaching.
5. Stay cool
Finally, one basic rule of thumb for keeping your pup healthy in the Orange Blossom State is to stay cool as much as possible. This can include indoor air-conditioned space or chilling out in a pool or water hose.
5 Unique Dog Rescue Shelters in Florida
While purchasing a dog from a breeder may guarantee you get the breed you want, adopting your next companion from a shelter is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Shelters all over the country are home to thousands of pups who are desperate to find their new families. If you would like to rescue a shelter dog, take a look at these shelters in Florida:
1. SPCA Florida in Lakeland, FL
This organization is a non-profit that provides a range of services, including an adoption center, a medical center, and numerous community-based programs. This is also a no-kill shelter.
2. Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, FL
This dog rescue is a large 33-acre facility that helps thousands of dogs every year. Not only is their property expansive, but this shelter also offers unique supportive services, such as grief support and foster care.
3. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL
This humane society rescues dogs, cats, and a variety of other smaller animals. This shelter offers unique programs and services, including pet insurance support.
4. Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, FL
This shelter is the only open-admission shelter in the Orlando area, which means that any animals are accepted into their care. In addition, this shelter offers a mobile spay and neutering service.
5. Paws4you Rescue in Miami, FL
The mission of Paws4you Rescue is to save at-risk dogs and to find them new loving homes. This shelter also offers boarding services and emergency medical care.
Ranking Methodology for Florida
We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Florida based on a variety of important factors including the following:
- Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Florida with a 33155 zip code
- Coverage and benefits
- Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
- AM Best rating of the underwriter
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual benefit amount
- Technology and user experience
- Ease of sign up
- Policy language clarity
- User reviews
Other state dog insurance resources
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